"Lab Specialist"

Job Summary

The lab specialist will participate in scientific and managerial aspects of the Kardon research laboratory, which studies the molecular mechanisms and cell-cell interactions regulating muscle development, regeneration, and effects of viral infection on muscle structure and function using cutting-edge techniques. We are particularly focused on muscle stem cells and their interaction with the surrounding connective tissue. More information on research available at http://www.kardonlab.org/. Specialist will oversee management of a mouse colony as well as conduct research (leading to publications). Lab specialist must be reliable, well organized, detail-oriented, excited about research in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

1. Oversee management mouse colony. Set up and monitor matings, genotype mice, maintain data base of mouse lines.
2. Perform muscle development and regeneration experiments, working in a team with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
3. Harvest, prepare, and process tissue for histological staining, immunofluorescence, and RNA in situ hybridization. Strong focus on whole-mount confocal and 2 photon imaging.
4. Perform tissue culture experiments.
5. Molecular biology experiments including western blots, qPCR, and cloning.
6. Perform and analyze bulk and single cell RNA-seq experiments.
7. Oversee ordering, stocking, and inventory of laboratory supplies and maintenance of equipment.

Problem Solving: The lab specialist will help oversee management of mouse colony and work in a team conducting research on muscle development, regeneration, or viral effects of muscle structure and function. Work requires exercising independent judgment and knowledge of biology and scientific methods. Work is team-based and overseen by the lab head, Gabrielle Kardon.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment. Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals). Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or other scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years full-time laboratory experience; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Working knowledge of advanced scientific techniques and procedures as well as the ability to make statistical calculations, analyze results, prepare reports and perform specialized tests also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.